OneDZ: a global detrital zircon database and implications for constructing giant geoscience database

Abstract. The amount of detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology data and Lu-Hf isotopic data has doubled with the continuous improvement of testing methods, and has developed into the most closely integrated research field in earth science with big data methods. However, how to effectively construct giant databases in geoscience has become a challenge. Here, we present OneDZ, a global comprehensive detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotope database, which includes diverse samples with data source, location, stratigraphy, depositional age, and various elemental and isotopic information. OneDZ collected corresponding regions, stratigraphic and lithological information to facilitate quick access for users. Comparing with current zircon database, OneDZ complies 1,925,687 gains of detrital zircon U-Pb and 275,971 gains of detrital zircon Lu-Hf records from 275,971 publications. Furthermore, the construction of OneDZ leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and programming scripts and offers insights into managing large-scale unstructured data in geosciences. This paper further discusses the perspective of applying big data methods in the research of zircon-related areas. This database exemplifies the power of big data in Earth sciences, providing a platform for investigating zircon data in deep time. It serves as a springboard for research, offering new insights in understanding Earth's past, present, and future. The database (Li and Hu, 2025) is freely available via Zenodo at https://zenodo.org/records/15522949. All code snippets in this research are accessible via https://github.com/KeranLi/Global-Detrital-Zircon. The OneDZ web platform is accessible via https://dedc.geoscience.cn/onedz/.